LTC JAMES MEGELLAS

On February 2nd at 8PM EST James Megellas will appear on the History Channel.

The documentary that is going to be aired on February 2nd 2007 is called The Lost evidence: Battle of the Bulge

And it will be about what happened at Chenaux, Bastogne and Herresbach

The Director did a lot of research into what happened at Herresbach(Belgium).

Herresbach is a small town that was attacked by the 504th PIR on January 28, 1945.

“On January 28, 1945, during the Battle of the Bulge, Lt. James Megellas led his platoon of the 82nd Airborne Division on a surprise and devastating attack on a much larger advancing German force, killing and capturing a large number of the enemy and causing others to flee. In an act of fearless courage, Megellas single-handedly destroyed an attacking German Mark V tank with two hand-held grenades. He then led the charge of his men and seized Herresbach, Belgium, during this fierce action of the Battle of the Bulge.”

As you know Maggie was recommended for the Medal of Honor, but somehow the paperwork got all messed up.

You can all read this on this website or in Maggie’s book ‘All The Way To Berlin’

At the end of his research the director concluded that Maggie should have gotten the Medal of Honor.

He also fully supports Congressman Petri’s efforts in getting Maggie the Medal of Honor.

INTRODUCTION MEDAL OF HONOR BILL H.R.5537

ON BEHALF OF HIS WW II BUDDIES IN THE 504PIR

“He was always where he was needed”. A Minister, an Airborne Chaplain, a Missionary, and a latter day Disciple who has dedicated his life to the service of the Lord.

Chaplain Kuehl had volunteered for the paratroopers knowing the risk involved. Armed only with a cross and the Bible ministering to paratroopers in combat he would go wherever his men were. He jumped with the 504 in Sicily and accompanied the troops in the fighting in the rugged Apennine Mountains of Italy to Hills 950 and 1250 where he actively assisted the wounded. Once again Chaplain Kuehl was, “where he was needed”. He recalled, “I stayed up there when battalions changed so one could go to the rear. I helped wounded down and brought up replacements. That was pure misery up there. We will never forget those long days and nights, week after week, in the rain and snow not enough to eat and the constant shelling in the Italian mountains. One day during that terrible fighting in the mountains of Italy, I was standing by a rocky trail and a Sergeant came by with no boots on, as his feet were to swollen. He had his feet bound up with rags, I said, ‘Sergeant, you can’t go up this rugged trail like this, you need medical attention,’He replied, Chaplain, I can’t go back (down), my men need me.” Chaplain Kuehl assisted in a myriad of ways, helping the wounded and comforting the tired and bedraggled GIs, many still in their teens. He was everywhere, with the wounded at Battalion medical stations and ministering to the men in the evacuation hospital.

At the Anzio beachhead in February 1944, when Lt. Rivers and I with about 25 enlisted men were surrounded by the German Wehrmacht who had broken through the British 1^st Guard Division and threatening to overrun the beachhead, Chaplain Kuehl was busy just to the rear of us. He wrote, “ If ever we had a chance to see the caliber of our paratroopers it was during that time. Almost completely depleted of men H Company and the others would not give in, I knew you were hurting for men so I got hold of a jeep and went around the area trying to find some men, some stragglers etc. to give you help. The Jerrys spotted me and an 88 zeroed in on the jeep. I was moving pretty fast. The 88 hit just under the Jeep, lifted it up in the air broke the windshield and bent some metal but I didn’t get hit. Fortunately, the shell hit in some soft ground so that cushioned the explosion. I still can’t believe how H Company held in attack after attack.”

On September 20, 1944 while H and I Company were poised behind a high dyke on the South side of the mighty Waal River preparing to cross the river in flimsily canvas boats to capture and control the North end of two bridges, I saw Chaplain Kuehl lined up in a boat with the Battalion Commander next to me.

It was a bold, daring plan bordering on suicidal. I didn’t think it was humanly possible to make it across the River under intense fire like ducks on a pond. I honestly did not believe any of us would make it across the river and then rout enemy machine gunners positioned on a dyke 500 yards away.

Defying orders from the Regimental Commander, Chaplain Kuehl was preparing to make the river crossing with the 3^rd Battalion. Chaplain Kuehl expressed his feelings; “if the men ever needed me they need me now.” Crossing the river I could hear the Chaplain praying, “Lord they will be done” as a 20 MM blew off the head of the man next to him in the boat.

By the Grace of God, Chaplain Kuehl, unarmed, reached the opposite shore. He recalled, “There were dead and wounded in each boat. I remember one boat reached the bank and had four dead troopers draped across each other. There were dead and wounded all over the place. I carried a first aid kit and immediately began working on the wounded. While I was leaning over a trooper who had three bullet holes in the stomach, a mortar shell exploded behind me. I was ht in the back by shrapnel, knocking me down. Despite being critically wounded, the man cried out, ‘Chaplain, they got you too’. The men who made it bayoneted the German machine gunners that were dug in all along the riverbank. They didn’t pause, they bayoneted and bayoneted and took off for the bridge. I had never seen such bravery. It was pretty gruesome. I was proud to be the Chaplain of such brave troopers”.

From that point until the end of the war, 62 days in the frigid Battle of the Bulge, across the Rhine and Elbe Rivers in Germany. The story was the same; the Chaplain was everywhere he was needed often within range and a target of enemy fire. He was always looking after and ministering men.

In testimony to his courage with the troopers in combat he was awarded the Silver Star for Gallantry in Action, 2 Bronze Stars for Heroic Action, a Purple Heart for Wounded in Action and 3 Presidential Unit Citations as part of his Regiment the 504 PIR. This is an extraordinary recognition of bravery for an unarmed Chaplain who continuously risked his life to be with his men. It is a record of service and courage unequaled by any Army Chaplain.

After the war Delbert Kuehl returned to his hometown, Alexandria, Minnesota. In July 1946 he married Delores Johnson and together they embarked on foreign missionary service. In July 1951 they arrived in Japan with their first child (10-months old) and spent 10 years as missionaries in the service of the Lord.

Their children, Dan and Margaret are both Missionaries in France and Tim and Luann are Missionaries in South Africa. They have 13 Grandchildren who have “accepted Christ as their Savior and a number of them are preparing for Christian Service”, and a new Great Grandchild Through all this Delbert remained active in the US Army Reserves, retiring with the rank of Colonel.

On the occasion of Delbert Kuehl’s 90^th Birthday, we honor and salute a truly great American patriot who we hold in reverence. A Disciple of the Lord who answered to a higher calling and devoted his life to the service of mankind.

James “Maggie” Megellas

H Company 504 PIR

On February 19, 2006 I departed alone from Dallas, Texas to begin what turned out to be an incredible experience. The possibility of visiting the 504 Parachute Infantry Regiment in Afghanistan was first proposed in September 2005 while I was on a book signing tour in Holland. The idea originated with Alex, the Secretary and founder of the Market Garden Commemorative Committee who had been working on the necessary clearances and the scheduling of the trip. The prospect of visiting the Regiment I fought with in WW II 61 years ago, now engaged in combat in the War on Terror was exciting. I noted at the time if the trip became a reality it would be the most meaningful trip I ever made and that turned out to be true. Thanks to the efforts of Rhenda White-Brenner, USO, Dallas, Ft. Worth Airport and Mark LaScola, General Manager Continental Airlines DFW Airport who provided me with first class and VIP treatment on my flight to Amsterdam, Holland, and the first leg of my 12,500-mile trip. I was met at the Amsterdam Airport by Alex and driven to the Royal Netherlands Air Force Base in Eindhoven, some 80 miles away. The following day we were joined by Special Forces Sergeant Major Ron McCauley, who would accompany us to Afghanistan. The following day after an extensive delay due to electrical problems, we boarded a Netherlands Air Force plane (KDC-10) and headed for Dubai, one of the Arab Emirates nations on the second leg of an incredible journey. Thanks to General Berlijn and LTC Van der Leij I received the same VIP treatment from the Royal Netherlands Air Force that I had received from Continental Airlines. After a short layover at Shurija airport we reboarded the DC-10 and left for Kabul. At 12:00 hours on February 22^nd, two hours later we arrived at Kabul International Air Base. I finally stepped foot in Afghanistan after flying over twenty-four hours over a three day span.

We were met at the airport by Captain Matt Rogers, Commanding Officer, A Company, 307 Combat Engineers, 82^nd Airborne Division who would be our escort and accompany us while in Afghanistan. I was greatly impressed by Captain Rodgers both as an Officer and as an individual, whom I now regard as a friend. He is a West Point graduate and was an outstanding athlete. He played free safety on the Academy’s Black Knights football team. If he so chooses he will have a great future in the military.

With two armored vehicles and four additional soldiers as security we left the airport for the International Area where we would be billeted while we were awaiting flight arrangements from Kabul to Forward Operating Base (FOB) Salerno near the Pakistan border. The road in Kabul to the billeting area was well secured passing through several checkpoints and numerous roadblock barriers.

Afghanistan by any definition is a poor country. I saw no sign of affluence in the drive over rough roads in Kabul the Capital city. On our brief exposure to Kabul I saw few modern buildings or shopping areas. It reminded me of Yemen where I spent two years, 1962-1964 as the Director of the U.S. AID mission. I was told that about ten percent of the populace has electricity and the average wage was two dollars a day or roughly 700 dollars a year.

Our trip to the Joint Visitors Bureau where we would be housed, was slow going and uneventful. Housing for transients and visitors is very rudimentary and limited. The four of us spent the night in a small room with three sets of bunk beds that served to be adequate for our purpose. Bathroom facilities were shared on a community basis and the water was not potable. Actually we were given the deluxe assigned to Flag Officers and VIPs.

On the morning of February 23^rd we checked out of the billeting area and headed for the Kabul airport. After considerable delays due to inclement weather a U.S. chartered plane (CASA) arrived from Bagram Air Force Base to fly us to FOB Salerno, about an hour away. We were met at the FOB landing strip by the Devil Task Force S-1, Major Douglas Stitt and the incredible experience of five days was about to begin. Driving from the landing strip to our quarters I noted signs of familiar 504 units that brought back memories of when I was a Devil in Baggy Pants in WW II. At age 89 years of age I felt once again as a trooper, although there was not one soldier at FOB Salerno who was born when I was a Devil 61 years earlier.

Many things I saw and heard impressed me. High on the list was how the conduct of war has changed with the advent of modern technology. As a combat Platoon Leader in WW II the heaviest weapons I had were a light machinegun, an anti tank Bazooka and some support from 60mm mortars. Today rifle platoons have more firepower than we had in an entire Rifle Company. What I saw in weaponry, equipment, arms communications, radar and fire support boggled my mind. But although the technology has changed vastly since WW II and the effect it has on the battlefield, several things remain constant. The quality of the men and women in the 504 PIR and the rest of the armed forces are every bit as good as the men I fought with. We were cut from the same cloth. At FOB Salerno I found the same motivation and dedication to a cause that I knew in WW II. One other fact remains constant; in order to successfully complete a mission and achieve an objective there must be troops on the ground. The notion that we can bomb an adversary into submission from air and naval forces has again been discredited. In my judgment it would be fool hearty to reduce our ground forces to concentrate on high tech weaponry; robots, unmanned surveillance and other big-ticket items that seem to fascinate the Pentagon. Nor should the Army planners tinker with out force structure by reducing the attack elements needed on the battlefield while increasing the support elements. We must never forget wars are fought by young men and women many still in their teens, led by non-commissioned and junior grade Officers. That’s the way it was in WW II and it is still valid in today’s high tech world.

After checking into our quarters, Captain Rogers escorted us to the Commander’s daily update. The briefings were in progress when we arrived but Colonel Patrick Donahue, Commander, Combined Task Force Devil, acknowledged our presence. I was elated to renew my acquaintance with Colonel Donahue and Command Sergeant Major Thomas Capel. We first met in Nijmegen, Holland in September during the observation of the 60^th Anniversary of Market Garden, the allied Airborne invasion of Holland. On that occasion I also met Captain Matt Rogers. The Colonel and I spoke at a memorial on the dyke on the North side of the Waal River. Sixty years before the men of the 3^rd Battalion, 504 PIR had routed entrenched German machine gunners after crossing the Waal River under murderous enemy fire while paddling in collapsible canvas boats in broad daylight. It was one of the most epic battles ever fought by the 82^nd Airborne Division in terms of heroics and daring. The chance meeting between Devils in Baggy Pants, albeit, with sixty years separating our service has led to a close friendship based on mutual respect. It would now be resumed in a remote corner of Afghanistan. At the conclusion of the update Colonel Donahue introduced me to his staff and the other participants at the briefing.

During the course of my visit I was surprised to see several troopers I had met before. After the conclusion of the update a sharp looking Sergeant Major walked up to me shook my hand, looked me in the eye and asked, “do you remember me?” Surprised, I hesitated for a moment and then excitedly call out, “Sergeant Colin Rich!” I first met, then 1^st Sergeant Rich, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin on July 25, 2003 and I never forgot him. I have often referred to him as “my hero” who embodies the true Airborne spirit. The occasion was the release of my book “All The Way to Berlin” and a reunion of twenty-five of my 504 buddies who are in the book. Lt. Colonel Dick Clark 3^rd Battalion Commander and a close friend, was unable to attend our banquet because of being deployed to Afghanistan. He sent 1^st Sergeant Rich to represent the 3^rd Battalion. Sergeant Rich had been leading an attack against the Taliban when an enemy bullet penetrated his helmet damaging the optical nerve and impairing his vision. He had undergone numerous operations and was scheduled to return to Walter Reed Hospital but actuality there was little that could be done to repair the damaged nerve. Unable to travel alone he was escorted by another Sergeant from Ft. Bragg. He walked hesitatingly, feeling his way with a red and white striped cane. The Regimental colors from Ft. Bragg were presented by 1^st Sergeant Rich which were displayed during our reunion. He also brought with him a folded American flag that had flown over the 504 compound in Kandahar, Afghanistan. The accompanying Sergeant then read a letter from the Regimental Commander, Colonel John Campbell addressed to the 504 veterans of WW II. In his brief remarks to the crowd in the overflowing banquet room Sergeant Rich expressed his love for the service and the 82^nd Airborne Division. He was determined to rejoin the 504 on active duty, as impossible as it seemed, at the time. There was not a dry eye in an audience captivated by the spirit of a wounded veteran. The cost of war was brought home to the citizens of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin in a personal way.

After the reunion I lost contact with Sergeant Rich until FOB Salerno almost three years later. Amazingly he had returned to active duty as he had vowed and had also served a tour in Iraq. His sight had improved slightly, his vision was still impaired but his determination to return to active duty and serve his country had been fulfilled. He had become an inspiration to his fellow soldiers. I would spend a full day on patrol with Sergeant Rich before I left FOB Salerno.

The base was built by the 82^nd Airborne in 2002 in the province of Khost near the Pakistan border in a valley surrounded by mountain ridges. The land was purchased from a Pakistani national. Much of the construction was done by the Division’s 307 Engineers. The Theater Engineer, Major George Heib was the Task Force officer. It is worthy to note that Major Heib is the son of Lt. Colonel (retired) George Heib, a WW II buddy in H Company, 504. It is one of a number of FOBs established by the United States to control the border and to keep the Taliban from penetrating into Afghanistan. Task Force Devil had been deployed for a year in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. CTF Devil under the command of Colonel Patrick Donahue was comprised if four maneuver Battalions, one logistics task force, nine separate companies and eight provincial reconstruction teams. A total of over 4,500 troopers, Marines, Airmen, National Guardsmen and Army Reservists made up the Joint Task Force. They controlled the northern and eastern portions of the Pakistan/Afghanistan border, an area about the size of Florida. The rugged mountain terrain provides safe haven for terrorists infiltrating the boarder.

FOB Salerno was Colonel Donahue’s third combat deployment. He commanded the first Brigade, 82^nd Airborne in Kandahar, Afghanistan in 2003 then Iraq in 2004 and back to Afghanistan in 2005. Reportedly he has more combat tours than any other Brigade Commander in the U. S Army. In my judgment he is an outstanding Officer with a bright career in the Army ahead of him. Under his leadership the CJTF looks back on the following accomplishments over the past year

More than 300 weapons caches recovered, over half of which were turned in by local Afghans.

Conducted more then 900 fire support missions.

Hundreds of terrorists KIA or CIA

Conducted more than 12,000 patrols

Actively engaged in training the Afghan National Police forces and conducting joint operations

Provided security for successful provincial elections in 2005

Assisted in reconstruction efforts

Provided assistance to the local populace

In my discussion with the troopers they pointed with pride to the list of accomplishments that had occurred during their tour in Afghanistan. In terms of the magnitude of Afghanistan needs they were small steps but every trooper I talked with felt they had made a contribution to the war effort. Their tour at FOB Salerno had been beneficial and worthwhile. On my tour of the area they would point out improvements that had taken place since their arrival; a stretch of paved road in Khost the first ever, a newly opened medical clinic, signs of economic activity, improved security and friendly waves and smiles from small children…Small steps to be sure, but still meaningful to our troopers. They point to an improving situation with gratification.

My trip to FOB Salerno was incredible in so many ways that in writing about it I hardly know where to begin. High on the list was the reception we received from the troopers. I was accepted as “he is one of us” and not as “another visitor”. I was included in the every day activities on the base. I was privileged to attend briefings and even included in operations to the extent, not extended to civilians regardless of rank or status. The reception I received was more an indication of the bond that develops among All Americans of the 82^nd Airborne Division that transcends generations. My experience at FOB Salerno along with the three days we spent with the International Security Forces (ISAF) in Kabul left me with an understanding and appreciation for what our troops in Afghanistan are attempting to accomplish. It was not a baptism of fire for me, as I referred to my first combat engagement in Italy in 1943, but an introduction to the global war on terror.

Captain Rogers kept us on a busy schedule form morning to night meeting and speaking with the present day Devils, and visiting various installations on the base. We visited and were briefed at the Q37 radar detection site located on a knoll overlooking the base. The level of technology I saw at that site amazed me. It had the capability of detecting incoming fire, the caliber of the weapon, the impact location and the precise location of the weapon. This information is relayed to the Fire Control Center within minutes. After ascertaining that the weapon was not concealed in a congested area the FCC could bring fire on the target with deadly accuracy. If it was firing from a congested area then the Tactical Operation Center would be concerned about collateral damage and other measures might have to be taken. Several days later the Q37 detected enemy activity near the Pakistan border, apparently preparing to fire on FOB Salerno. The FCC quickly responded by firing over 24 rounds of

155 mm guns of observed fire from an Apache helicopter on the target. The alert sirens covering the entire base were activated while the personnel scurried into bomb shelters conveniently located through out the base. Periodically during the attack the personnel in the bunkers heard the following transmittal, “stay in your bunkers until further notice. This is not a rehearsal.” After about one hour I was escorted to the FCC to observe the operation and hear the communication between the FCC and the Tactical Operation Center where the JTF Commander, Colonel Donahue was located. After approximately two hours the alert ended. The after action report indicated the Taliban had been routed with numerous casualties. I was privileged to observe my old Regiment in an action typical of the war on terror, unrelated to any experience I had in WW II. Several days later the Taliban did leave their calling card on the base, sending two missiles into the base area at night but causing no damage or injuries, just to let us know they were still in business.

On February 24, I was invited to attend an induction ceremony of two Sergeants into the Audie Murphy Club. The Club membership is limited to a select group of Sergeants recognizing leadership and professionalism. There were a large number of NCOs in attendance from units throughout the FOB. Membership is based on a high standard of performance and not on a competitive basis. Colonel Donahue congratulated the inductees and in his remarks noted that the war on terror was a Sergeant’s war and he was right on target. This is the way it was in my war and in every war since. Colonel Donahue then introduced me and I also spoke to the group. My comments were on the subject of leadership in the face of enemy fire. I used as an example of leadership the epic crossing of the Waal River in Holland on September 20, 1944 and the assault on entrenched enemy forces on the dyke on the North side of the river. The concentrated enemy fire from small arms, machine guns, mortars, flak wagon, and 88 mm guns had taken a heavy toll on the two companies H and I of the 3^rd Battalion, 504 PIR, crossing the river in flimsy canvas boats, in the initial assault wave. Those of us who made it across were scattered and there was no semblance of unit integrity. The attack, which dislodged enemy machine gunners from the dyke on the North side of the river, was led by NCOs and Company grade officers. Driven by rage and seeking vengeance, the charging paratroopers overcame a force five times larger and within four hours had seized and controlled the North end of the two bridges. The conclusion: Paratroopers if properly lead will follow to the gates of Hell. The speech lasted about fifteen minutes and evoked a standing ovation.

On February 24, I had an opportunity to visit the Base field hospital. The majority of patients treated are Afghan civilians. Afghan Doctors and medical personnel are jointly housed in the base hospital. While I was there one U. S, soldier was being treated for a foot injury but most of the attention was focused on the two small Afghan twin girls, about four years of age. They had been diagnosed with Thalasimia, a rare blood disorder disease but not uncommon in Afghanistan. Apparently there is no cure for this disease caused by insufficient diet and nutrition during pregnancy. Every two weeks the girl’s parents brought them to the base hospital for blood transfusions required in keeping the disease in submission and the girls alive. The U. S. medics attended the twins with great compassion but the future for the two little girls is very bleak. I noted the anxiety, love and concern the parents had for their twins. Their poverty did not diminish the love they have for their children and family. It was a scene that tugged at my heartstrings. I have seen suffering and poverty in numerous developing countries while serving, as a USAID Director but is not something that can be dismissed easily.

I visited the retention center on base and had a very informative chat with Master Sergeant Joseph H. Wolfe III, the Senior Career Counselor for Regional Command East in Afghanistan. I was interested in the troop reenlistment rate and the overall morale of the troops. Thanks to tax free bonuses of up to $22,500 for certain military occupational specialties, Sergeant Wolfe and the Combined Task Force Devil exceeded the quota for 2005reaching 115 percent of the goal for retention and double the number of reenlistments projected so far for this year. Even with the large cash benefit there is another factor in reenlisting, “believe it or not there are still people wanting to serve their country”. Sergeant Wolf said. He noted, “we are reenlisting a lot of soldiers who came in after 9/11 to serve their country in the war on terror”. Sergeant 1^st Class Frank V. Pupo, career counselor for the 2^nd Battalion, 504 Parachute Regiment said, a Paratrooper is a high caliber soldier. That higher standard indicates that when a soldier walks into my office, he wants to reenlist”. “I have not met one person out here who had not been completely satisfied”, Sergeant Wolfe said.

I enjoyed immensely meeting and talking with the Devils in small groups of up to fifty people. Captain Rogers arranged for me to have dinner with the various units in the Task Force, including on one occasion dinner with Colonel Donahue, Command Sergeant Major Capel and the headquarters staff and personnel. Before I left FOB Salerno I had made twelve speeches to the troops at dinners, meetings and ceremonies. Dinner was not at a mess hall as I remembered but at the dining facility, or DFAC as it is now referred to. I was very impressed with the food at the DFAC. Every meal was outstanding which included generous amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables and soft drinks but no beer anywhere on the base. I commend food purveyor contractor, KBR and the U. S. Army for the quantity and quality of the food served at the DFAC. In actuality I needed no introduction to the troopers. They knew in advance of my arrival and as one of the original Devils in Baggy Pants, the White Devils knew where I was coming from. Additionally, the 504 selects the outstanding Lieutenant of the Year annually with an award named after Lt. James Megellas. Most were also familiar with my book, “All the Way to Berlin”. Incidentally, while I was there I met the 2005 award recipient, 1^st LT. Kinton Komives, a fine outstanding Officer who competed for the award while serving in Iraq. I had an enlightening talk with him and presented him with an autographed copy of my book, one of the three I had brought with me. My memoirs as a Platoon Leader with the 504 in WW II were published three years ago and were now in the sixth printing (presently the seventh).

In talking about my experience as a Devil in Baggy Pants in WW II, I frequently referred to my book. Invariably after our discussions the question arose, “where can we get a copy of the book”? With free time on their hands to read an autographed copy of a book written by a fellow Devil in WW II they could identify with, was highly desired but obviously not available at FOB Salerno. In retrospect I regret that I had not made a determined effort to have books sent to FOB Salerno prior to my arrival that I could have autographed. It would have been greatly appreciated by the troops.

On February 25^th Colonel Donahue invited me to attend an awards ceremony, held periodically to recognize valor and outstanding service. Colonel Donahue spoke to the group about the importance and significance of the occasion. Fifteen soldiers were decorated receiving Bronze Stars and Army Commendation Medals. For me it was an honor to participate and be a part of pinning medals on the deserving troopers. Colonel Donahue introduced me to the group and invited me to speak. I was very impressed by the ceremony and appreciated the opportunity to congratulate the medal recipients and offer my thanks for the job they were doing for out country.

Probably the most memorable experience I had at FOB Salerno occurred on February 26. After breakfast Captain Rogers took us to the F Company, 504 PIR area where there were preparations underway for a scheduled routine patrol. Little did we realize when we arrived at the F Company area we would be included in the mission. Much to my surprise I again saw Master Sergeant Colin Rich who was organizing the patrol. He showed me around the area, took me into his tent and introduced me to Sergeant George Perez. He had been wounded on September 14, 2003near Fallujah, Iraq. His left leg had been amputated below the knee and was wearing a prosthetic leg. Like Colin Rich he returned to duty with the 504 PIR. He was the first amputee from the Iraq war to jump with the 82^nd Airborne Division. He and Sergeant Rich were sharing the same tent and had become very close biddies. Colin kept calling George “Gimpy” who had a slight limp in his prosthetic leg. Their dedication to the service, motivation and positive outlook were inspiring. They were respected and looked up to by the younger troopers. I had a heartfelt chat with them before falling out to begin the patrol.

The F Company Commander Captain Lewandowski briefed the patrol on the mission, the area we would cover and what we might expect. He also discussed what action we would take in the event of an enemy ambush or if we ran into Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Like the others in the patrol I was fitted with body armor consisting of a flak vest and a Kevlar helmet. Master Sergeant Rich handed me an M4 Carbine capable of firing 45 rounds per minute sustained fire on semi automatic. It weighed 7.5 pounds and held a magazine of 30 rounds. Sergeant Rich assured me, “you will be just fine and I will be in the Humvee with you and will not let anything happen to you”. Sergeant Rich after extensive operations had regained fifty percent of his vision mostly peripheral.

As a Platoon Leader in WW II I went on many patrols but nothing like the one I was about to experience in a Humvee. In each vehicle there were five men including the machine gunner in the open turret. My ever-reliable friend, Alex, was with me in Master Sergeant Rich’s humvee. Captain Matt Rogers was in the 4th Humvee and our other companion; Sergeant Major Ron McCauley was in the 2^nd. Two Afghan interpreters were included in the patrol. Prior to departing anyone who had a camera was taking pictures including pictures of the entire patrol. In terms of the personnel the makeup of this patrol was unlike any previous to leave from FOB Salerno on a mission. Sergeant Rich handed me a set of earphones and we climbed into the vehicle. Sergeant Rich and the driver were in the two front seats, the gunner stood behind them in an open turret and Alex and I were in the second row of seats. We were packed in tight quarters. Humvees were not designed for occupancy comfort. I imagined what it would be like when temperatures climbed above 100 degrees wearing heavy body armor plus weapons and ammo. I was told there was a cooling system in the humvee but because of the mild weather in February we would not have to verify it.

At about 1030 hours we left the base heading east towards the Pakistan border passing through Khost the largest city in the Province. Driving through the county side, signs of poverty were evident everywhere. It reminded me again of my two years in Yemen, 1962-1964. When passing through an inhabited area I wondered how these people could make a living. Passing through Khost and other populated areas Sergeant Rich noted the economic progress that had been made, during his present tour. I saw very few people engaged in manual labor. Most adults were sitting around in small groups talking about, who knows what. They paid little attention to our patrol. Humvee patrols had become a common sight for them. It was the Afghan children that impressed me. As we passed by they would smile and wave. I am certain they understood we were friends trying to help them by securing the area. As we passed through inhabited areas I had the feeling of being a “friendly cop on the beat” in an insecure area. It was a feeling I never felt in WW II. In a sense that analogy not generally applied to combat troops, could be applicable to our troops given the situation in Afghanistan. They felt compassion for the Afghans, particularly the children; and indeed, they were attempting to protect them from ruthless criminals who have no qualms about killing innocent women and children. Yet beneath the surface I knew I was with a group of soldiers, some in their second and third tours in the war on terror, hardened in battle and resolved in their determination to defeat the insurgents. The “friendly cops” I was with on patrol were risking their lives to give the Afghans and the democratically elected Karzai government a chance to maintain order and rebuild their country.

Several hours later the patrol pulled into Camp Chapman where a unit of the 7th Special Forces Group was located. Captain Mark, Commanding Company A. 3^rd Battalion, briefed me on their mission and the general situation. We were then invited to have lunch with him and the few men remaining in camp. Most of the Company was out in the field on a mission doing what Special Forces do when deployed. While there I autographed my book for a Sergeant who had previously acquired it. Captain Mark inquired if I could send autographed books to Camp Chapman and gave me a list of twelve men who would like one. When I returned to Texas my first order of business was to mail the books to Captain Mark, gratis, with the compliments of Matt Malouf, Malouf Enterprises, a strong supporter of our troops in appreciation for the job they are doing.

On July 31, 2006 NATO Forces made up of British, Canadian, Dutch and some U. S. Forces, about 8,000 strong, assumed command over military operations in Southern Afghanistan from the U. S. led coalition. NATO Forces are under the command of British Lt. General David Richards, the first non U. S. General to command U. S. troops in combat. In my judgment, NATO assuming command in Afghanistan is an important development. I’m certain NATO will not permit the Taliban, or their proxies to regain power in Afghanistan. Included in the

U. N effort. are member contributions of financial resources and reconstruction teams. I have yet to note an outcry to withdraw our troops from the NATO coalition in Afghanistan.

Retreating into Pakistan and operating out of sanctuaries along the rugged Pakistan/Afghanistan border the Tailban in recent months has been able to regroup and increase their strength. Al Queda is also appearing among the Tailban Forces. They have been attracting foreign Muslim extremists to join in the fight against U. S. and coalition forces. The increase in violence has been noted in roadside bombings, IEDs and suicide bombings, the trademark of the Iraqi insurgents willing to die as martyrs. With the commitment of the U. N. and the strength of the NATO Forces, the Karzai government, in my judgment, will prevail and strengthen. The outlook of the war in Afghanistan given time, I believe, will result in a free, democratic society.

With NATO Forces in place and assuming a greater responsibility for security for the country the pressure on the U. S. forces has decreased. Raising the level of U. S. KIAs will not have the same political effect the Taliban once believed. The Taliban forces do not have the capability militarily, to defeat the NATO Forces. They do not appear to be well organized or disciplined but they do have a certain level of sophistication in the use of IEDs. This appears to be the principal threat to our forces.

Rebuilding the Afghan National Army (ANA) has been a slow tedious process. In joint operations they give a good account of themselves with the backup support of our troops. How effective they might be on their own is uncertain and difficult to place a time frame on when that might happen. The Afghan police force has lagged behind the Army in becoming a viable, capable unit. In my judgment, Afghan forces have a long way to go before they control this vast country. Given the lack of national resources, the country will be slow in developing into a modern society. NATO and U. N. support will be required for the foreseeable future.

In my book, “All The Way to Berlin”, written as a combat Platoon Leader in WW II, I wrote “this is the way I saw it through the sights of my gun”. I admitted I was not the Alpha and Omega on the history of WW II but it was written as I saw it. Others may disagree with me from their vantage point, which I can respect. The same may be said about how I see the war in Afghanistan and the prediction for the future. The Global War on terrorism is so complicated and ill defined that our best military minds are unable to agree on the outcome.

But of one thing I am certain. Regardless of how we feel as a nation about the war we must support our troops and do nothing that will jeopardize their safety. They are answering the threat from global terrorists to preserve those values we hold dear as a nation. My generation (WW II) has been referred to as the “greatest generation” but I do not agree with that broad-brush characterization. What I do believe is that over the course of our history we have been blessed that young men and women have stepped forth and answered the call every time our nation has been threatened. They may not have been the “greatest generation”, per se, but they were the best of their generation. This had been true in every conflict we have been involved in especially true of our veterans form the Vietnam War who have never been fully appreciated. I repeat, they were the best of their generation just as the young men and women in the services today are the best of their generation.

In conclusion, a word to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan fighting to preserve our freedoms, Happy Holidays and a safe return home.

May God bless you all!

James Megellas

“ Gallantry in action against an armed enemy,” is how Staff Sgt. Patric Trattles’ Silver Star Medal narrative began.
The gallant act dates back to Oct. 29, 2005, when he and eight other paratroop­ers from Company B, 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division fought off an enemy group esti­mated at sixty personnel on a mountain in Afghanistan. “ One of my guys came up to me and said, ‘ I see some guys down there,’” Trattles said.
He and his men were about 2,000 meters from their main element, occu­pying an observation post near Camp Tillman, Lwara, Afghanistan.
It was early morning when the first trooper spot­ted men coming up the mountain.
“ We basically got every­body up, got everybody ready. We positively iden­tified they were carrying weapons. So, we called it up, and then we engaged,” Trattles said.
“ We didn’t know there was another platoon ( of enemy) higher up on the mountain moving in. Our company commander’s position was about 300 meters away from us, it had the vehicles,” Trattles said.
The enemy platoon didn’t know Trattles and his men were there either and were startled when the troopers engaged the smaller ele­ment.
“ They ( the enemy pla­toon) thought it was an early initiation and began shooting at the company commander’s trucks, not knowing we were there,” said Trattles. “ We had a clear flank on them.”
The nine paratroopers took advantage of the angle and the element of surprise and started firing. It didn’t take long for the enemy combatants to realize they were being engaged by the Americans.“All of a sudden they just surrounded us. Seventy-five percent of our area was just surrounded. We could not get out, we were pinned down,” Trattles said. “It was ridiculous how much fire we were taking.”
Sharpshooters targeted Trattles’ M240B gunner and had him pinned behind a tree. The M240B is a medium sized machine gun.
“ I ran over there,” said Trattles. He threw the gunner behind a small ledge, picked up the M240B, and gave the gunner his ( Trattles’) weapon. “I didn’t even think about the bullets, I just threw him down there. I grabbed the 240 and ran to the other side. While I was running, a guy shot an RPG (rocket pro­pelled grenade) at me.”
The RPG landed about 10 feet from Trattles, but it did­n’t explode.
“I just kept running with the 240 and got to the other side,” Trattles said. “ I sat down and began unloading on the guys up top.”
Trattles didn’t stay in one place too long. He circled the perimeter checking ammu­nition and engaging the enemy.
“We were doing our battle drills, but we were also resupplying, calling in grid coordinates so the mortars and artillery could fire on them,” he said. “It was just like everything we needed to do, we were doing.”
The details of Trattles’ heroism come straight from his award narrative.
According to the narrative, “Staff Sergeant Trattles, with­out hesitation, placed himself at every major flashpoint of the battle. Each time expos­ing himself to heavy volumes of fire pouring down from the numerous enemy sup­port by fire positions.”
When one of the paratroop­ers was struck by a bullet, Trattles “ initiated CPR on him while still receiving effec­tive enemy fire from two dif­ferent directions.” He carried the wounded trooper 150 meters under enemy fire to the humvees so he could be moved to the helicopter land­ing zone for evacuation. The wounded trooper was Staff Sgt. Travis Nixon. He didn’t survive his injuries.
The attacking enemy force was estimated at 60 person­nel, armed with machine guns and RPG’s. After a forty­five minute firefight, less than twenty paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division sent the enemy running.
“I was doing what I saw as necessary to keep my guys alive,” said Trattles. “I was just doing my job.”
Trattles received his Silver Star from Brig. Gen. Joseph L. Votel, deputy command­ing general of the 82nd Airborne Division, at Devils Field Dec. 15.

Brig. Gen. Joseph L. Votel, deputy commanding general of the 82nd Airborne Division, pins Staff Sgt. Patric Trattles from Company B, 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment with a Silver Star for gal­lantry in action in Afghanistan. photo by Staff Sgt. Shannon Wright/ 1st BCT PAO